Simon says Carlin pilot on for Fox

George Carlin could turn up in a prime time series next fall on Fox Broadcasting Co., with a pilot being developed by Sam Simon, one of the co-developers and exec producers on “The Simpsons.”

The show is believed to be the comic’s first stab at a prime time series, although he’s appeared on numerous specials (among them last year’s “George Carlin: Jammin’ in New York” for HBO, an Emmy nominee) and is seen regularly on the PBS children’s series “Shining Time Station.”

Fox confirmed a pilot is in the works but said the concept is being kept under wraps.

While still primarily a stand-up performer, Carlin has appeared in the recent movies “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” and its sequel as well as “The Prince of Tides.”

The pilot also would represent the first solo venture for Simon since he severed ties to James L. Brooks’ Gracie Films — where he doubled as president of television — with the exception of “The Simpsons,” on which he remains an exec producer along with Brooks and Matt Groening.David Mirkin was brought aboard as principal show-runner and an exec producer on the show last fall (Daily Variety, Dec. 4, 1992).

In addition to the animated hit and its launchpad “The Tracey Ullman Show,” Simon’s writing/producing credits include “Taxi,””Cheers” and “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show.”

Other Fox comedy aspirants for next season include projects to star Richard Lewis, Sinbad and Dom Irrera.